Massenet, Jules - Sapho. [Vocal score]Click Image to ZoomEnlarge Image

Massenet, Jules (1842-1912)

Sapho. [Vocal score]

Heugel & Cie.: Paris, 1897. Pl.n: H. et Cie. 18,648. first edition of piano-vocal score. Quarto. 227 pp. Inscribed and initialed in facsimile by Massenet to the publisher Heugel on the third blank in the year of the opera’s premiere and first publication: a mon ami | Henri Heugel | J. M. | Paris - 1897. Quarter-calf with marbled boards and edges. Spine a bit rubbed and lifting with chips at top and bottom. Signature of former owner on first blank. Slight tear to top of inscription page (not affecting). Title page trimmed close at bottom (affecting a bit of the ornamental border). In very good condition otherwise.
This first-edition piano-vocal score is that of the original Sapho, Massenet having revised the work in 1909. (A full orchestral score was not published until the premiere of the revised version.)
Henri Heugel took over his family's publishing business in 1883; by 1885 he was said to have been publishing at least one new score every day. In 1891 he acquired the catalogue of Georges Hartmann, the exclusive publisher of Massenet from 1870 until the sale of his business. Heugel would go on to publish old and new Massenet operas for many years following, many of which included elaborate colored title pages.
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